James Franco talks Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, probably won't be in it

Everyone who has seen RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES will recognize that Andy Serkis' performance as Caesar is the whole show. Yes, it's a surprisingly well-written and thoughtful piece for a blockbuster, but without that central performance it certainly would not have achieved the high level of appreciation it has.

Which turned out to be a pleasant surprise, of course, since in the early going a lot of us thought that James Franco was going to be the film's centerpiece. Franco is a sturdy actor and an interesting personality, sure, but not necessarily who we were clamoring for in terms of leading the prequel. Turned out his presence was acceptable, neither significantly adding to or detracting from the movie's strengths.

Now that DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES is moving forward, we have to wonder if Franco will reprise his role as Caesar's human companion. If you ask Franco (as MTV did), it seems as though the chances are slim.

"I was going to be a small part of the next one. There was a moment when Rupert Wyatt was going to direct the second one. A lot of the human characters that were in the first movie were dead in the sequel that Rupert was going to direct. But there was one scene, between Caesar and my character, maybe even just like on a video that was left behind, but then a lot of things happened, like [former Fox co-chairman] Tom Rothman who was a big part of the first movie, left. Now Rupert's not a part of it so I don't know. My guess is I won't be in it. Nobody's talked to me since Rupert left.

That "Nobody's talked to me" part at the end is kinda sad, huh?

It would be a little odd for Franco to not make at least a brief appearance in DAWN, but as mentioned above, we all know that the man in the motion-capture suit is the one who'll be selling tickets to this epic, not Mr. Franco.

With Matt Reeves at the helm, DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES opens on May 23, 2014.

RISE for Freida Pinto...

Extra Tidbit:

Would you be okay with it if Franco didn't end up appearing in DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES?

Depends how they handle it and what they're planning. Franco is a fantastic actor so on one hand it's strange not to go to him while he's still a hot property, yet if having him show face doesn't serve what they're planning then I'm OK with it. Hopefully they will still attract the caliber of cast they did with the first.

Depends how they handle it and what they're planning. Franco is a fantastic actor so on one hand it's strange not to go to him while he's still a hot property, yet if having him show face doesn't serve what they're planning then I'm OK with it. Hopefully they will still attract the caliber of cast they did with the first.